Established in 1997, Carter's Academy of Self-Defense provides top quality instruction in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Youth Martial Arts (Gracie Bullyproof), Women's Self-Defense, Aikido and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics. Our owner and head instructor, John Carter, has 36 years of martial arts experience, is a 5th Degree Black-Belt in Nihon Goshin Aikido, a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Level 3 Instructor and a Gracie Survival Tactics Instructor. He is also a Certified Women Empowered Instructor and is certified to teach the Nationally Recognized Gracie Bullyproof Program. After graduating from The University of South Carolina, he began teaching Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate and Women's Self-Defense in Lexington, Irmo, Chapin and Columbia. Today, our headquarters academy is Lexington, South Carolina's Level 3 Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center authorized by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters Academy in Torrance, California.
Academy Programs

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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington
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Nihon Goshin Aikido & Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at Carter's Academy of Self-Defense
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Why EVERY Child Needs Jiu-Jitsu
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Women's Self-defense That Actually Works! (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu)
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Welcome to Jiu-Jitsu (Gracie Combatives)
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The Path from Blue to Black Belt (Master Cycle)
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CONTACT US
Carter’s Academy of Self-Defense is committed to exceeding your needs. Questions, comments or special requests? We’d love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate in reaching out today.
1216 West Main Street Lexington, SC 29072
1079 Dutch Fork Road Irmo, SC 29063
1098 Old Lexington Hwy. Chapin, SC 29036
(Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Judo & Karate since 1997)
803.546.6079